The fifth-generation Kia Sportage is an all-new product which is built on a new N3 platform, with a new ‘Opposites United’ design language, and it is also equipped with modern technology and features like Terrain modes, Driver Assistance and Electronic Control Suspension. Since we have already talked about the exteriors of the new Sportage here, let’s have an in-depth look at what it offers, and also the powertrain options it will get.
The Sportage gets a choice of two engines internationally; a 1.6-litre turbo petrol producing 177.5bhp and 264Nm of torque, and a 2-litre VGT diesel producing 183.4bhp and 416Nm of torque. The 1.6-litre petrol gets the option of either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic, while the 2-litre diesel will be mated exclusively to an 8-speed torque-converter automatic. In addition to these powertrains, Kia will also be offering the Sportage in HEV hybrid, and a plug-in PHEV hybrid guise as well, at a later date.
The Sportage gets Terrain modes for the first time, which will optimize the characteristics of the car to help it take on tricky conditions such as snow, mud, and sand. In addition to this, the Sportage also receives a Drive mode which enables the driver to choose from Comfort, Eco, Smart and Sport settings. It also gets a four-wheel-drive system, Electronic Control Suspension (ECS), and Kia’s new E-Handling system which will further aid the Sportage’s handling and driveability. Depending on the trim level, the wheel sizes available on the Sportage range from 17-inches to 19-inches.
The Sportage also gets a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected car features and OTA updates, panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, shift-by-wire transmission, and a wireless charging pad.
The all-new Sportage gets an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Blind Spot View Monitor (BSVM), Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), and multiple airbags.
Kia has currently not put down a specific launch date for the Sportage. And we haven’t really heard any intent for Kia to even bring the Sportage to India, which means that is unlikely for it to make it here. If it does make its way here though, the Sportage could go up against the likes of the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson, and the Citroen C5 Aircross.